The Cadet GP is by far the most dangerous out of them all, no BFA! All the shite comes out the barrel, kids can't be expected to remeber to aim off all the time, a normal rifle, with the change lever set on R and a BFA would be perfect for the little 'uns

It is piss poor, when the cadets get 10 rounds a piece for a 2 day ex, the Army is trying to get people in, the best recriuting ground is the cadets.
As for the manual that would kill a donkey of "what you can't do", why dont they replace it with a considerably smaller manual entitled "things you can do"

At last a voice from the wilderness, I agree it is not the ACF I joined, I wonder now given Risk Assessments and Red Tape why Cadets join at all.

Soon we will be in danger of becoming Scouts in a Different uniform. I always thought "Army" was the first part of our title, perhaps the powers that be should remember that and why most Cadets join, to wear a uniform and shoot a rifle.

Whilst I appriate that 'most' units try to be profesional, what about the ones which are run by complete tossers?

I went to visit one one night from unit, and there was one twat there wondering roun d looking like he had'nt bothered to shave all week, he had a snipers carry bag on his leg, and a PISTOL in a drop leg holster!!"!!!

In my book, thats not exactly professional!!!! This is the kind of dick who will end up getting arrested, or killing a cadet, because of his 'I always wanted to join the SAS attitude'!

I agree the use of a BFA is a bonus, the added risk of automatic fire... if they get it wrong, a BFA isn't checked etc is something that would worry me.

Children with rifles at all worries me. Especially when it comes to live rounds on the range.

From my contact with cadets I observed that 5 rounds would be too many for some and those that want more aren't always the ones that should have them.

Click to expand...

With reference to blank firing, all that should be required is to ensure that several checks by instrs are written into the SOPs.
I imagine that the cadets must make the declaration after using ammo of any sort, so if they can be drilled in that then making 'Check your BFA' part of their battle prep shouldn't be a problem.

Children with firearms of any sort has never bothered me - as long as they've been PROPERLY trained in the safe use and handling of them.

Educating children - or anyone - in safety should always be paramount, any fault will always lie with those instructing them and the standard to which they teach.

How about taking the gas parts out? That would make the weapon non-automatic and nice and safe for the little 'uns. Failing that, fit them with .22 conversions as they did with the SLR.

Click to expand...

That would make it a L98A1 (5.56mm Single Shot, Bolt Action,GS Rifle) they already have! Which is a fine target rifle in its own right.

The L98A1 was designed specifically to be a Section 1 firearm, although this no longer matters as a provision of the Armed Forces Act 1996 allows cadets to use prohibited weapons. Since the ACF already use the L86A1 Light Support Weapon (LSW) there is no legal reason to not issue L85A1's

Have you back loaded your A1 spares yes oh well. You will be happy to know that i am shortly coming into proof that the powers that be are issuing A1 weapons to the ACF without the change lever. This isn t scheduled till 2005-2006 so might happen by 2010. Anybody been told about this ?

Click to expand...

Are the L85A1's to give them the correct title still to be modified to remove the fully automatic feature? or issued as is?

Whilst I appriate that 'most' units try to be profesional, what about the ones which are run by complete tossers?

I went to visit one one night from unit, and there was one t**t there wondering roun d looking like he had'nt bothered to shave all week, he had a snipers carry bag on his leg, and a PISTOL in a drop leg holster!!"!!!

In my book, thats not exactly professional!!!! This is the kind of dick who will end up getting arrested, or killing a cadet, because of his 'I always wanted to join the SAS attitude'!

Click to expand...

I am totally amazed by this it is people like them that give us such a bad name amongst the Army no wonder people think we are idiots. I know that you can be a 20 year old Sgt in the ACF and in the regs you have to train and wait years in my view if you wear the Queens Uniform do so with pride and respect those that have earned the right. I am afraid there are too many "Walter Mitties" in the ACF.

I have always tried to be a credit to the uniform which after all we all wear. I hope that one day you all get to visit a unit like mine. I have 60 Cadets who occupy a TA Centre and for us being professional is what it is all about.

In answer to the other questions.

Prior to any blank firing I have to read a section from the red book. The Cadets then have a blank firing demo where we blow up a packet of biscuits brown. Then a declaration is given and I check their mags and pouches. Then NSPs and finally we can begin. Also the same happens at the end.

During "battle" no Cadet can perform a bound unless the weapon has been made safe.

BFAs will help reduce the effects of firing blanks with no protection on the muzzle.

We gather the change level will be removed or welded in the "up" position.

As I am sure you will all know the ACF is soon to get the zillion old SA80 Mark 1s out there.

......

Click to expand...

Is this just because no other country is dim enough to buy them ?

Click to expand...

Just remember your weapon is made by the lowest bidder. If you think the SA80 or Rifle 5.56mm is bad try using the Cadet GP. Huge cocking handle, it rattles like a wind chime and is allegidy accurate to 300metres.

Our rifles pants, the RG mags are pants our Cadet Cleaning Kits are pants, the only decent thing is the sling.

It is possible to wiggle the rifle several mm even with both pins in by gripping the tmh and rocking the carrying handle, quality machining.

I am sure it says ACME on the side or is that Fisherprice.

Still better than nothing and we are grateful as this was the first rifle designed especially for Cadets.